DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa has been named one of the finalists for the top cop job in the city of Austin.
Costa is a candidate for the currently unoccupied chief role in the Texas capital and could be soon headed to Austin.
He is among more than 30 candidates that are being considered for the position.
Costa first arrived in DeSoto in 2012 from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department where he worked since 2005.
Before relocating to Texas, Costa had a distinguished 25-year career with the Massachusetts State Police.
His roles included patrol officer, radar enforcement, homicide investigations, narcotics, and Internal Affairs.
He also served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Auto Theft Task Force, the DEA Task Force, and worked with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
In Texas, Costa continued his law enforcement career, serving as a Sergeant/Investigator with the Texas Lottery Commission and as an Investigator with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Education from Boston University and a Master’s Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLOE).
Costa is also a graduate of the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy and the FBI National Academy.
“We believe in Chief Joe and are supportive of any path that he chooses to pursue,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor in a statement.
“Joe is a valuable member of our community and has done an excellent job of building a police department that we are proud of and that serves the people of DeSoto well.”
DeSoto Tribune Staff
Out of 32 finalists